Beautifully decorated Christmas trees and an exhibit of 70 original paintings have been combined to create a month-long holiday attraction at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center in Gardnerville.

The framed watercolor and oil paintings are by members of the Carson Valley Art Association and the East Fork Gallery.

They are on view at the Douglas County Historical Society building, 1477 Highway 395N. Within the main exhibit room is “The Gallery of Trees,” a display of 14 lighted and decorated artificial trees sponsored by local organizations, businesses and churches.

The combined exhibit, which opened Dec. 5 with a Cookie Walk, Victorian Tea and vintage fashion show, will continue through Dec. 30, after which the trees will be removed. The paintings will remain on display through Jan. 11. The museum store, stocked with holiday gifts, will be open through the holiday season.

This is the eighth year of the historical society’s “Gallery of Trees” exhibition, and the first time the society has invited area artists to show their works along with the decorated trees. The artwork is for sale, with 20 percent of proceeds donated to the Douglas County Historical Society.

Tree sponsors are Carson Valley Doll Club, Carson Valley Kiwanis, Beta Sigma Phi Chapter Laurett Lu, Coventry Cross Episcopal Church, Douglas County Republican Women, Joyce’s Antiques, A Wildlife Floral, Community Resources Partnership, Berean Church, Minden Electric, Sierra Pioneers Club, Douglas County 4-H, The Record-Courier, Paradise Café and Cook’s Pantry.

Admission price for the special holiday exhibit is the museum’s regular admission price of $3 for adults, $2 for youths 6 to 18 and free for children under 6 years of age. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except Sunday, Monday and Christmas Day.

The Douglas County Historical Society is a private, nonprofit organization not affiliated with the Douglas County government.

For more information call (775) 782-2555.